Does COVID-19 Spread Easier on a Cruise Ship?

By Michael Ferguson

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has been the most significant global health concern in the past months. As people try to determine how to avoid contracting the virus, one question people have been asking is whether or not COVID-19 spreads more easily on cruise ships.

Cruises are a popular vacation choice for many people, but they involve large numbers of people in close quarters and often include stops at multiple ports around the world. This makes them ideal locations for viruses such as COVID-19 to spread quickly and easily. Cruise ships are also known for having poor ventilation systems which can help spread infectious diseases even faster.

The first evidence of COVID-19 transmission on a cruise ship came in February when more than 700 passengers and crew members aboard a Diamond Princess cruise tested positive for the virus while it was docked in Japan. Since then, there have been numerous other cases reported on various other cruise ships around the world. These incidents have caused many to wonder if cruise ships are particularly vulnerable to the spread of this virus.

The answer is yes. Cruise ships present an ideal environment for viruses like COVID-19 to spread quickly due to their large numbers of passengers and crew in close quarters, as well as their lack of proper ventilation systems that make it difficult for airborne particles such as those carrying the virus to disperse quickly.

The best way to protect yourself from contracting the virus while on a cruise is by taking preventive measures. It is important to practice social distancing and good hygiene habits such as washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when available. Additionally, wearing a face mask whenever possible is another important step that can help prevent transmission of the virus.

While it is true that cruise ships may be more vulnerable than other locations due to their unique environment, taking proper precautions can help reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 while enjoying a cruise vacation.

Conclusion: Yes, COVID-19 does spread easier on a cruise ship due its large numbers of passengers and lack of proper ventilation systems which make it difficult for airborne particles carrying the virus to disperse quickly. Taking preventive measures such as social distancing and good hygiene habits can help reduce your risk of contracting the virus while enjoying a cruise vacation.